Barry Harris

One of the major bop pianists of the last half of the 20th century, Barry Harris has long had the ability to sound very close to Bud Powell, yet he can also do convincing impressions of Thelonious Monk and has his own style within the bop idiom. He was an important part of the Detroit jazz scene of the 1950s, and has been a jazz educator since that era. Harris recorded his first set as a leader while in 1958, and moved to New York in 1960, where he spent a short period with Cannonball Adderley's Quintet. He also recorded with Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet, Yusef Lateef, and Hank Mobley, and was with Coleman Hawkins off and on throughout the decade (including Hawk's declining years). In the 1970s, Harris was on two of Sonny Stitt's finest records (Tune Up and Constellation), and made many recordings in a variety of settings for Xanadu. Barry Harris has mostly worked with his trio since the mid-'70s, and he has recorded as a leader for Argo (1958), Riverside, Prestige, MPS, Xanadu, and Red. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi

I had the honor of studying in Barry's Jazz Workshop for over three years as vocalist. But Barry did much more than help my singing. He rounded out my moral education, linking art and life. Also three + years of listening to his piano and oral teaching profoundly affected my approach to playing diatonic blues harmonica. (Would you believe?) Of late I've finally been learning to play saxophone and that be-bop phrasing I absorbed from Barry is starting to show up. Barry Harris = the Greatest

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2 years ago

dclark235

I love Barry Harris...first I heard of him on Pandora...But I love his playing...go Barry!

Because I am a long time pianist with a jazz style, I am fond of Barry's playing.

Dick Mullaney

5 years ago

herbertgoldstein76

My man, Dr. Barry Harris! Have seen him live at Mount Morris Park in Harlem for the Charlie Parker Festival in the past and now have gotten to know him due to my friendship with the late James (Marty) Martin. Keep the faith, Doc, and keep playing. Love you, Herb Goldstein

a regular on the Detroit jazz scene from the "Bottom" through Paradise Valley, from Baker's Keyboard Lounge to the Riverfront and all parts in-between and beyond--another timeless performer and educator and not in any-wise slowing down or diminished. Live forever and in your music, Barry Harris.